Three traditional Dow components—CVS Health, Goldman Sachs, and Caterpillar—have significantly outperformed broader market benchmarks over the past year, driven by their strong market positions, hard-asset moats, and AI integration. CVS Health rose 52.1% with improved healthcare benefits and AI-powered prior authorizations. Goldman Sachs gained 71.4%, benefiting from record advisory fees and AI productivity initiatives. Caterpillar led with a 159.1% increase, fueled by demand in power generation and infrastructure, supported by AI-driven data center investments. Despite risks like regulatory pressures and cyclical volatility, these stocks showcase how old-economy firms leverage AI to sustain growth and market leadership.
